Chamkaur and Sirhind
The five order Guru Ji to leave
Five survivors told Guru Ji to escape, and Guru Ji is said to have clapped and called out while slipping through the besiegers.
By nightfall only five Sikhs remained in the house with Guru Ji. They urged Guru Ji to go and rally the Sikhs again, and tradition makes this a command from the five acting as the Khalsa. Guru Ji handed over the clothes being worn to Bhai Sangat Singh, who looked somewhat similar, and left in the dark.
Three others also got out, Bhai Dharam Singh, Bhai Man Singh and Bhai Daya Singh, each going in a different direction by an arrangement to meet by the stars. Then, the gurdwara tradition says, Guru Ji did not want to steal away unannounced. On a low mound Guru Ji clapped and shouted that the Pir of Hind was leaving, and the three others called out from their positions, confusing the tired besiegers. In the morning Bhai Sangat Singh and Bhai Sant Singh fought to the last.
How do we know?
Several traditional accounts tell this story, without close independent support.
Sainapati's translator uses the name Sant Singh for the proxy, while the Encyclopaedia gives Sangat Singh that role with Sant Singh beside him. The shout and clap come through gurdwara tradition.
- Later traditionTells of the five urging escape, Sangat Singh taking Guru Ji's dress, and Gurdwara Tari Sahib marking the hand clap with the cry about the Pir of Hind.[EoS]
- Later traditionDescribes the five as acting as a council and ordering Guru Ji to leave.[EoS]
- From the timeSays Guru Ji left at the Khalsa's urging, and that a blow touched only a fingertip as Guru Ji escaped unseen. (ch. XII, couplets 71-72; translator's introduction)[Src]
